I would say to try painting and posting on as many mini company sites as you can find, and for those minis, I would choose figures from their lines that you enjoy the sculpt and theme of. That way when people see your work, your gallery sets a tone, and they have a feel for what you like to do and are passionate about. Network, network, network and do your best to stay in contact.
Style is in my opinion really a personal thing, and something a painter develops over time. I don't recommend getting overly hung up on it, or pigeon holing or type casting yourself as one type of painter or another. Experiment with what you like and don't like and don't worry about it. Besides, how will new and better styles develop if that doesn't happen? You obviously have very good technique and I agree with Chern Ann, the bottom line is: will the work one does help sell the mini and spark the imagination of the buyer/audience. Also, since you are still in school, I would highly recommend taking some courses in digital art as well. I have a degree in illustration also, and I'm thinking of going back for some additional classes in this, since this seems to be the way alot of the markets (not all of course) are headed. And it's another tool in your belt of techniques. You never know where a career as an illustrator may go. It's certainly not as set in it's path as an engineer per se. You could wind up doing concept art or sculpture even. I would say you definitely have alot of talent, and keep at it!
I've been working on building up several different portfolios for different purposes, mini painting, concept art, illustration, sculpture, and three comics that are works in progress at the moment. It helps to study the surrounding areas of interest of the subject matter for the stuff you like in particular as well. Essentially throw as many irons in the fire as you can.
As for the negative people, meh. It's a competitive world sure, but being an artist and getting paid what one SHOULD be paid is very rare in every area of it. You really should not go into this expecting that. Often I have found that it's the person who perseveres and is a stubborn bastid who is more successful than the one with 'cutting edge' talent who usually ends up so headf***ed by his own expectations he can't complete anything. Trust me, I've seen this. If someone loves what they are doing and devoting themselves to it, that's not something to poo poo at, particularly when they are asking for advice.
I find the miniature world very interesting, it has grown alot since it's beginning! Just look at old White Dwarves mags from 10 years ago and the illustrations & paint work in them, and how different the painting world is now. It's really exciting, from the concept art, to the sculpting , to the painting. And what's also encouraging are how many new companies are cropping up in it. Make lists of companies you like and would like to do work for and go after them. I wish I could give more advice but that's all I can think of for the moment
Best of luck!
